By MarcusSamuelsson.com | June 8, 2012

Every year, on the second Sunday of June, Puerto Ricans all over New York City and even neighboring Latin hubs like Pennsylvania and Boston, gather on Fifth Avenue between 44th and 79th Streets to celebrate Puerto Rican pride at its finest. But as early as a few days prior, signs of the parade can be seen throughout NYC and especially in Spanish Harlem. Known as ‘El Barrio,’ Spanish Harlem still holds the highest concentration of Puerto Rican residents in NYC. El Barrio streets come alive with the red, white and blue of the Puerto Rican flag flying high.

Check out a few photos below of Spanish Harlem as the residents prepare for the big weekend that lies ahead. Read More

Get ready New York City! The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is happening this Sunday in honor of the over 8 million Puerto Ricans inhabiting NYC and “la isla del encanto,” Puerto Rico. Before Sunday, however, you can spot Latin pride all over the city and in honor if this prideful occasion we’re featuring some Latin highlights and photos from one of the largest spots in Harlem- Spanish Harlem. Here’s our first feature…

Since moving to New York, it has been my personal mission as a self-proclaimed foodie to really expand my taste buds and dive into the Big Apple’s culinary explosion, head first. However, with a dwindling bank account, it can be difficult to navigate the waters without first having the money to throw down. With that said, when I found a restaurant where I can shell out $1.50 for some bacalao (codfish fritters), both my stomach and wallet were very, very happy.

Cuchifritos Frituras, directly east of the Lexington Avenue subway at 116th street has been serving traditional Latin American fare for years, and is one of the most famous spots for this Puerto Rican fried food phenomenon. But what in the world exactly is a cuchifrito? Often described as Puerto Rican soul food, cuchifritos are simply fried food and most traditionally, pork. Cuchi, short for cochino, translates to pig, whereas frito describes something fried. Put it all together and you’ve got fried goodness, served with love, for a total bargain of the price. Read More

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Whether it’s finding the best goat tacos in LA, spotting a well-worn vintage bag in Sweden, or interviewing the “crab man” selling seafood on a corner in Harlem, we tell stories seen from Chef Marcus Samuelsson‘s point of view. MarcusSamuelsson.com strives to create conversations about food, nutrition, culture, art, and design. We want to find Read More